Fishing device container

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses containers for storing fishing lures, baited or unbaited hooks, terminal tackle, fishing accessories, bait, fishing lines and other fishing devices (“target objects”). The containers are designed for quick and efficient insertion of the target objects into the containers. Fasteners attached to such containers, in addition to closing the opening of the containers, allow for quick attachment and detachment of the containers to and from a fishing rod, thereby capturing and retaining line and thus minimizing entanglement. These fastening devices may also be used to attach the containers to other non-rod objects such as boats or clothing for immediate access to or storage of target objects. All versions of containers may be formed of at least partially clear plastic or other materials for ready identification of the contained materials.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.60/091,153 filed on Jun. 30, 1998 by Walter Louis Meier and Thomas V.Chorey, Jr. entitled “Lure, Hook, Terminal Tackle, Fishing Accessory andBait Container with Integrated Line Holder,” the entire contents ofwhich are incorporated herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to containers, capable of attaching to afishing rod, for retaining and storing a variety of fishing devices,including lures, hooks, tackle, and bait.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Although fishing is an activity that accompanied the dawn of humankind,recent developments in sportfishing technology continue to increase theodds in favor of the fisherperson. Such developments, which include newlures with multiple hooks, new lines and leaders, use of multiple riggedrods by the same fisherperson, and the unrelenting emphasis on efficientuse of time, particularly in tournaments, create amplified needs toreduce inadvertent rod entanglement and snagging of hooks on clothing,fishing line, boats, or other objects. Also, the fisherperson mustachieve quick identification and rapid deployment of fishing tackle ofall types and descriptions. Snagging or fouling can be merelyinconvenient, resulting in wasted time when the fish are biting, or itcan present a real safety hazard.

There are two primary sources for this snagging and tangling of riggedfishing rods. The first source is the exposed fishing lures, hooks andterminal tackle items which dangle from the line, creating a hazard toany nearby person or object. The second source is the segment of exposedfishing line which runs down the rod length from the front of the reelto the first rod guide, sufficiently elevated above the rod surface totangle with other rods, hooks or nearby objects.

The snagging and fouling issue is not entirely bereft of past attention.Generally speaking, conventional responses fall into two categories. Oneis to use a container for retaining the fishing lures and hooks that aretied onto fishing line. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,203,245 issued to Peterson,for instance, a packet of plastic or other flexible material which maybe mounted to a fishing rod for retaining a lure is disclosed. Hook andloop fasteners are employed to wrap the plastic packet around the lureand capture the lure. The Peterson packet is then attached to the rodvia a rigid clip. The Peterson packet requires at least three motionsusing both hands to capture the lure and attach the packet to the rod:one motion to use the fastener to capture the lure within the packet,another motion to apply the rod clip to the packet, and yet anothermotion to clip the packet to the rod. Such inefficiency consumesvaluable time and energy and may result in the loss of a trophy fish.Furthermore, the close proximity of the hook and loop fastener to thecontained fishing lure or hooks creates the potential for the lure orhooks to snag and damage the packet's own fastener material. Inaddition, the action of the rigid clip against the rod on the Petersondevice creates a potential for rod scarring and other rod damage.Moreover, because a fisherperson cannot inspect the lure contained inthis packet or access it readily, (s)he may not be in position to castthe proper lure at the opportune time. Additionally, the Peterson packetprovides no protection to prevent a reel handle or other fishing rigappendage from tangling with the elevated line of an adjacent fishingrod that runs from the reel to the first rod guide. Neither does thePeterson device address the moist environment objective required forscented or chemically treated lures or flesh type bait. Finally, thereis no indication that the Peterson device floats, a characteristic whichis important to allow retrieval if it is dropped overboard.

Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 5,131,180 issued to Ives discloses a flexiblepouch formed of fabric which may be folded over on a lure in a sandwichfashion. The pouch is secured to the rod or reel via an elastic loop inorder to keep the fishing line tight. The Ives device does not solve theproblem of the entanglement potential of the exposed line segments whichrun from the reel to the first rod guide and from the rod tip to thecontainer. Because the device uses a number of hook and loop fastenersas well as a separate elastic attachment, use of the Ives devicerequires multiple steps involving both of the user's hands to captureand release the lure and attach the pouch to and release the pouch fromthe rod. Since the Ives device is opaque, there is no immediatevisualization of the contained lures, and therefore the user may notimmediately recall what lure a particular pouch contains when the needarises for its deployment. The Ives device also creates the potentialfor hook puncture and entanglement in the pouch fabric and in its hookand loop fastener strip. Additionally, the Ives device is not conduciveto holding scented or chemically treated lures or flesh type bait wherea moist environment is required. Finally, the Ives device does notfloat.

Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,418,490 issued to Ancona discloses a two-leaffolder with an outer layer of waterproof material and an inner layer ofsoft, sponge material which may be folded over on a lure in a sandwichfashion. The lure is captured within the folder, and the folder is thensecured to the rod by an extensive hook and loop fastener systemsurrounding the folder's entire periphery. The Ancona folder appears tobe designed primarily to keep its contents moist. The sponge materialwhich comprises its inner layer, as well as its hook and loop fastenersystem, is extremely likely to result in hook snags, entanglement andpuncture of the device itself. The Ancona folder does not address theentanglement problem of the exposed lines. Furthermore, use of thedevice is tedious and inefficient as its use entails multiple stepsrequiring both of the user's hands to capture and release the lure andattach the folder to and release the folder from the rod. Moreover,because the Ancona device is opaque, there is no immediate visualizationof the contained lures, and therefore the user may not immediatelyrecall what lure a particular folder contains when the need arises forits deployment. Additionally, the Ancona device does not offer thepotential for creating a leakproof or near-leakproof environment to meetthe objective of marinating lures with scented or chemically treatedlures. Finally, there is no indication that the Ancona device floats, acharacteristic which is important to allow retrieval if it is droppedoverboard.

A second way of addressing the lure and hooks snagging problem involvesstrapping a lure to a rod using various kinds of hook and loopfasteners, without retaining the lure in a container or a container-likestructure. Both U.S. Pat. No. 5,020,264 issued to Demski and U.S. Pat.No. 5,214,874 issued to Faulkner disclose a holder which secures thehook directly to a rod without involving a container. Because the hooksremain exposed with both of these devices, they provide limitedprotection to keep the lure and hooks from snagging and damaging nearbyobjects. Furthermore, there is the potential for hooks to tangle in andpuncture the holder's own hook and loop fastener material. In addition,because of the devices' extensive hook and loop fastener systems, use ofthe devices entail multiple steps requiring both of the user's hands tocapture and release the lure and attach the folder to and release thefolder from the rod. Neither device creates the moist environmentrequired for scented or chemically treated lures or flesh type bait.Finally, neither device is equipped to float, a characteristic which isvital to retrieval if the device is dropped overboard.

A separate approach to the snagging and fouling problem is an elongatedplastic tube which fits over the tip of a rod and surrounds asignificant portion of the length of the rod, from the tip down, as wellas the lure. A plug which captures a lower portion of the rod and fitsin the bottom of the tube is subject to inadvertent loosening andescape, particularly when this device is present in a moving trailer,boat or other vehicle or when it is used in windy conditions. Freeingthe lure requires manipulation of both ends of the rod, which can becumbersome in multi-rod environments such as in small fishing boatsunder tournament or other stressful conditions or when a big fish risesin the area. This approach also requires multiple motions using bothhands during insertion and removal of the lure, and due to its largesize and wind resistance at the tip of the rod, the device is subject tobeing blown off the rod by wind forces. This device is also cumbersometo store due to its large size and can be irreparably damaged if steppedon or otherwise mashed. As with the other disclosed devices, this devicefails to reduce the line entanglement, lacks the moist environmentneeded for scented or chemically treated lures or flesh type bait, anddoes not float.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves the problems described above by providingcontainers, capable of being attached to a fishing rod in onesingle-handed motion, which eliminate snagging of hooks, lures, terminaltackle, line and other fishing devices (“target objects), minimize rodand line entanglement, and are simple, compact, durable, unbreakable,buoyant, and transparent and flexible to the extent desired. Inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention, the container mayconsist of an elongated and at least partially clear vinyl or otherplastic pocket/envelope, featuring two closed or connected sides,preferably a closed or connected bottom, and an at least partially openthroat. The overall shape of the invention may resemble that of anelongated fish or shrimp with an accentuated tail and an open mouth.

A target object such as a lure is inserted into the container. Thecontainer can be closed or sealed, rendering the container leakproof ornearly-leakproof so that it may hold and accommodate lures that arescented by marinades or chemical treatment and keep bait, including livebait such as shrimp, alive or moist until placed on the hook.

A snap, hook and loop, u-shaped clip or other type of fastener may beattached to the upper portion of the container. Such a fastener servesto close the throat of the container, and to attach the container to thefishing rod and/or reel while simultaneously securing the fishing lineto the rod to prevent its entanglement with other rods, reels or nearbyobjects. A fastening mechanism may also be located in the central regionof the container to further secure the container to the rod.

A protuberance with a hook and loop fastener may also be attached to thebottom of the container. As used herein, the term “protuberance” refersto a member that is either part of or intrinsic to an object or attachedto or extrinsic to the object. The protuberance may be wrapped aroundthe rod and secured in place with the fastener. A strip of durable,buoyant material, for example a poly foam strip, may be attachedtransversely across the back of the protuberance to prevent movement ofthe container along the rod length and to ensure the container floats ifdropped in the water. In another embodiment of the present invention,the container is attached to the rod by a hook and loop fastener systemand has an additional “wrap strap” which is used to retain the line tothe rod above the reel.

The unique structure of the container facilitates capture of targetobjects and attachment of the container at its top and bottom (and inthe middle if one elects to use the middle fastener) to the rod and/orreel with a single-handed sweeping motion. The container attaches to therod simply by a one-handed manipulation of each fastener rather than bythe two-handed motion required with the clamp and the fastener asdisclosed in the Peterson patent or the use of multiple fasteners asdisclosed in the Ives and Ancona patents. In addition, unlike thePeterson, Demski, Ives and Ancona devices, the present invention storesthe contained target objects within the container and simultaneouslyretains the line segment running from the reel to the first rod guidetightly against the rod, thus eliminating snags and minimizing rodentanglements that otherwise occur from exposed target objects andfishing line. The container may also be attached to a boat, clothing,tackle box or bag or any other object in order to temporarily storealternate target objects or bait to be instantly available and at armsreach at any time.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to providecontainers to store target objects of various sizes and shapes, whereinthe containers are simple, compact, durable, unbreakable, buoyant, andtransparent and flexible to the extent desired.

It is another object of the present invention to provide containers tostore target objects which can be quickly and efficiently captured inand released from the containers in a simple one-handed manner.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide containerswhich can be quickly and efficiently attached to and detached from afishing rod in a simple one-handed manner.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide containersthat can hold target objects and are attachable to a rod, therebyeliminating snagging of the target objects with nearby objects whilesimultaneously minimizing rod entanglement by retaining, tightening andisolating the exposed line.

It is an another object of the present invention to provide leakproof ornear-leakproof containers to store target objects.

It is another object of the present invention to provide buoyantcontainers for target object storage that permit the containers to beeasily retrieved if dropped in water.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide transparentcontainers for target object storage that facilitate identification ofthe contained items for quick accessibility.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will beapparent with respect to the remainder of this document.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a dorsal plan view of one embodiment of an assembled container100.

FIG. 2 is a ventral plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a lateral side plan view of the left side of the embodimentshown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the outside surface of the unassembled dorsalportion of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the unassembled ventral portion of theembodiment shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a front plan view of another embodiment of an assembled emptycontainer 300.

FIG. 7 is a back plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a side plan view of the hook and loop fastener system 400isolated from the container 300 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 9 is a front plan view of the hook and loop fastener system 400shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a back plan view of the hook and loop fastener system 400shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the front side of a wrap strap 350 accordingto another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of the back side of the wrap strap 350 shown inFIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the container 300 shown in FIGS. 6 and7, containing a fishing lure, hooks and line, and the wrap strap 350shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, attached to the container 300 and retainingthe fishing lines against the rod.

FIG. 14 is a dorsal plan view of another embodiment of an assembledcontainer 499.

FIG. 15 is a ventral plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a lateral plan view of the right side of the embodiment shownin FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is a lateral plan view of the left side of the embodiment shownin FIG. 14.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of the outside surface of the unassembled dorsalportion of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 19 is a plan view of the inside surface of the unassembled dorsalportion of the embodiment shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 20 is a plan view of the unassembled ventral portion of theembodiment shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 21 is a dorsal plan view of the assembled strap of the embodimentshown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 22 is a lateral plan view of the side of the assembled strap of theembodiment shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 23 is a ventral plan view of the assembled strap of the embodimentshown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 24 is a perspective open-mouth view of the embodiment shown in FIG.14.

FIG. 25 (a-h) schematically shows a cross section of shapes thatcontainers could assume.

FIG. 25i is a matrix showing options for container shapes.

FIG. 25j shows four examples of the application of FIG. 25i.

FIG. 26a-g schematically shows a cross section of shapes that componentsof containers could assume.

FIG. 27 illustrates the tube used in the tubular method.

FIG. 28 illustrates the squeezing of the dorsal portion and flatteningof the ventral portion during the tubular method.

FIG. 29 illustrates removal of the excess material during the tubularmethod.

FIG. 30 is a plan view of the container shown in FIG. 16 containing afishing lure, hooks and line attached to the rod.

FIG. 31 illustrates the dorsal and ventral portions in the separatesheet method.

FIG. 32 illustrates the narrowing of the dorsal portion and alignment ofthe margins of the dorsal and ventral portions during the separate sheetmethod.

FIG. 33 illustrates removal of the excess material during the separatesheet method.

FIGS. 34a and b are plan views of a hook fastener located on the ventralportion of the embodiment shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 35 is a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a container thatincludes a zipper or elongated fastener opening.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made in detail to alternative embodiments of thepresent invention. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a container 100 according toone embodiment comprising an elongated body portion 101 having a dorsalportion 113 and ventral portion 213, two partially or fully closed sides103 and 104, a top 112, and a bottom 105. The body 101, similar to afish, has a hollow space or belly cavity 207 (FIG. 3) to receive targetobjects.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show the general structure of the dorsal 113 and ventral213 portions, respectively. The dorsal portion 113 (FIG. 4) contains twotop protuberances 106, 107, two middle protuberances 108, 109, and twobottom protuberances 110, 111. The biconvex width 121 of the dorsalportion 113 on this embodiment is 5″, and the length 119 is 11″. Thesedimensions may vary, depending on the size and shape of the intendedtarget objects.

The rounded top left rudimentary protuberance 106 on this embodiment isapproximately ½″ in length and contains a top male snap or fastener 214(FIG. 1) on the dorsal surface. The top right protuberance 107, whichhas a squared edge, is approximately 1″ long×¾″ wide and has acomplementary top female snap or fastener 215 (FIG.2) on the ventralsurface. The distance between the fasteners 214, 215 is approximately2½″, slightly longer than the circumference of most rods. The fasteners214, 215 can be used to close the container 100. Moreover, the top leftand right protuberances 106, 107 on this embodiment wrap around a rodand lines and are secured using fasteners 214, 215, thus attaching thecontainer 100 to the rod. The length of the top right protuberance 107lateral to the snap on this embodiment serves as a tab 202 for easygrasping when affixing and removing the container 100 to and from therod.

The middle protuberances 108, 109 on this embodiment are locatedapproximately midway from the top 112 and bottom 105, a span 120 ofapproximately 5½″ (FIG. 4). They may have rounded edges and areapproximately 1″ in diameter. A male snap 216 and female snap 217 (FIG.2), for use in attaching the container 100 to a rod, may be attachedcentrally on the ventral surface of the middle protuberances 108, 109.

The bottom left protuberance 110 (FIGS. 1 & 2) may have squared edgesand is approximately 2″ long×1″ wide on this embodiment, and a hook orloop fastener 200, approximately 1″ long×¾″ wide, is attached to thedorsal lateral portion of the bottom left protuberance 110. The bottomright protuberance 111 on this embodiment has squared edges, isapproximately 4″ long×1″ wide, and a hook or loop fastener 201,approximately 1½″ long×¾″ wide, is attached to the ventral surface ofthe bottom right protuberance 111, approximately 1″ from the lateraledge, providing an approximate 1″ tab 211 for easy grasping. The hookand loop fasteners 200, 201 can be attached to the protuberance byadhesive backing or other techniques including bonding, and may bereinforced by sewing and/or grommets, rivets, or other techniques.Naturally, for adherence purposes, if a hook fastener is used on thebottom left protuberance 110, then a loop fastener should be used on thebottom right protuberance 111, and vice versa. The bottom left and rightprotuberances 110, 111 wrap around the rod and line and are securedusing the hook and loop fastener 200, 201.

An approximately 4″ long×1″ wide×⅜″ thick strip of flotation material204 (FIG. 2), which may be, for instance, poly foam, may be attachedtransversely and centrally across the bottom 105 of the container 100with two rivets 209 or other fasteners. The strip 204 provides buoyancyfor the container 100 should it fall in the water and facilitatesadherence of the container 100 to the rod to prevent movement of thecontainer 100 along the rod.

FIG. 5 illustrates the general structure and dimensions of the ventralportion 213. The ventral portion 213 on this embodiment is approximately1½″ narrower than the dorsal portion 113 (FIG. 4). In unassembled form,the ventral portion's 213 biconvex width 122 on this embodiment isapproximately 3½″ and length 123 is approximately 10½″. For longer andlarger lures, hooks and terminal tackle, the length and width may beextended. The upper part of the ventral portion 213 may be tapered,forming a tongue-like flap 218 at the throat 208. In use, this flap canbe bent down with one finger of the hand holding the container 100 toguide a target object into the throat 208 of the container 100 (FIG. 3).The right and left, top and bottom protuberances 106, 107, 110, 111 maybe partially or completely reversed in a mirror image fashion, thuscreating an opposite hand version of the container 100.

The dorsal and ventral portions 113, 213 may be made from transparent oropaque, flexible material. The transparency of the material ensures thatthe user can quickly and easily identify which target objects thecontainer 100 holds. If the fisherperson, however, prefers that thecontents of the container 100 not be readily apparent to a competitor,opaque material may be used. A flexible yet relatively thick container100 ensures that it can be attached to the rod and/or reel easily withno penetration by hooks or other contained objects. Various materialsmay be used, such as a partially clear vinyl in the range of gauge 15 to40.

The dorsal portion 113 and the ventral portion 213 as shown in FIGS. 2 &3) on this embodiment are at least partially united along the sides bysewing or stitching 114. Other union techniques or devices such asgluing, folding, riveting, laminating, RF dielectric welding, or heatbonding, may also be used. In one manufacturing process, the right sides104 of the dorsal and ventral portions 113 and 213 are brought togetherand stitched, beginning approximately 1″ above the middle rightprotuberance 109 and ending at the bottom 105. The left sides 103 arebrought together and stitching is begun approximately 1″ above the leftmiddle protuberance 108 and ends at the bottom 105. The stitch 114 staysapproximately {fraction (3/16)}″ from the edges of the sides 103 and104. At the upper starting points, a rivet, grommet or other fastenermay be used for additional strength or decorative purposes. A preferredsewing thread is strong, waterproof, and heat-resistant.

The two sides 103 and 104 on this embodiment are connected by a bottom105. The bottom 105 may remain open, or it may be closed by stitching,sealing, gluing, through the use of an additional piece of material, oras otherwise desired. The bottom may be closed by pressing the widerdorsal portion 113 to the narrower ventral portion 213, which may createa symmetrical pleat on each side 115 (FIG. 1). The bottom 105 may thenbe secured by a transverse stitch 116 approximately {fraction (3/16)}″from the edge. A rivet, grommet or other fastener or glue may be used inlieu of the above or for additional security or for decorative purposes.

The union of the sides 103, 104 but not the tops of the dorsal andventral portions 113, 213 creates a wide throat 208 (FIG. 3) for quickinsertion of the target objects into the container 100. This wide throat208, combined with the tongue-like flap 218 of the ventral portion 213which can be bent back to help open the throat 208, enables the user toeasily guide the target objects into the hollow belly cavity 207 (FIG.3) of the container 100 using only a single hand.

Additional fasteners, e.g., buttons or snaps, may be attached to thethroat 208 in order to better secure its closure and contents. It may bedesirable to use a fastener system to close the throat 208 with aleakproof seal so that the container 100 may hold and accommodate luresthat are scented by marinades or chemical treatment and keep bait,including live bait such as shrimp, alive or moist until placed on thehook. However, it may not be desirable to add structure which can causesnagging or entanglement with target objects.

According to this embodiment of the present invention 100, optionalopenings or holes 118 (FIG. 1) may be punched or otherwise formed at thebody portion 101 to allow extra air circulation and moisturedissipation. The locations of the openings 118 may be varied, but arepreferably above the bottom 105 and below the throat 208. The size ofthe openings 118 should be sufficient to allow air circulation andmoisture dissipation, yet small enough to prevent the target objectsfrom snagging on or protruding from the openings 118.

Once the target objects are contained within the hollow belly cavity207, the throat 208 can be closed using snaps or other fasteners 214,215 located on the top protuberances 106, 107, as shown in FIGS. 1 & 2,or by other structures, such as zip lock or press lock fastener systems.The closure seal may be of varying degrees of tightness, depending uponthe type of fastener system used.

The container 100 may be attached to a rod using the fasteners 214, 215,216, 217, 200, 201 located on the top, middle, and bottom protuberances106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111. The protuberances may wrap around the rodand line(s) where they may be secured with their respective fasteners.The top right protuberance 107 may wrap around the rod and/or reel andlines, and the tab 202 can allow quick one-handed unsnapping to detachthe container 100 from the rod. The bottom right protuberance 111 canwrap around the rod foregrip and/or reel and line immediately above thereel to tightly retain it to the rod and/or reel, to prevententanglement of the rod with other rods or objects, and to preventupward movement of the container 100 on the rod. A short tab 211 canallow quick one-handed detachment of the hook and loop fastener 200, 201during active fishing. Not all fasteners need to be used to secure thecontainer to the rod.

A common problem with fishing accessories is that they have thepropensity to escape from the boat or otherwise become misplaced whennot in use. In accordance with this embodiment of the present invention100, a hook or loop fastener 210 (FIG. 2) approximately 1½″ long×¾″ wideattached to the outer surface of the upper ventral portion 213 near thetongue-like flap 218 may allow the container 100 to be easily attachedin the upright position to another container or to a strip of hook orloop type fastener mounted to the fishing boat, tackle box, the wearer'svest, belt, other clothing appendage or other surface. The container 100may also be secured in an upside down position by attaching the hook orloop fasteners 200, 201 to a corresponding strip of hook or loopfastener mounted on a fishing boat, tackle box, the user's vest, belt,other clothing appendage, or other surface. The snap fasteners 214, 215,216, 217 of the upper or middle protuberances 106, 107, 108, 109 mayalso be attached to opposite gender snaps located on an attachmentsurface. Also, a hole or grommet may be placed on the upper portion ofthe container 100, for example on the upper ventral portion 213 near thetongue-like flap 218, so that the container may be hung on a nail, hookor other hanging device.

Although the embodiment of the present 100 discussed above has anopening for receiving the fishing device at the top of the container,such an opening may appear elsewhere. For example, FIG. 35 is aschematic view that shows an embodiment of a container according to thepresent invention with an opening adapted to receive target objects andnot located at the top of the container. In FIG. 35, the opening islocated in the approximate mid-portion of the container, and the openingis closed using a zipper. FIG. 35 is merely one example of the variouslocations where the opening could be placed and how it could be formedand closed or partially closed. Metal or plastic zippers, elongatedfasteners such as are found on plastic freezer bags, or other fasteningdevices could be used for the opening (or indeed for any of thefasteners mentioned in this document).

FIGS. 6-13 show an alternative embodiment of a container 300 inaccordance with the present invention. FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate acontainer 300 comprising a body portion 301 having a front 313 and back311 panel, two partially or fully joined or united sides 303 and 304, abottom 305, a throat 307, and a hook and loop fastener system 400 (FIGS.8, 9, 10) attached at the throat 307. The body portion 301, much like anenvelope or pocket, has a hollow space 309 (FIG. 6), when opened, toreceive target objects.

FIGS. 6 and 7 on this embodiment show the general structure of the front313 and back 311 panels, respectively. The panels 311, 313 are generallyrectangular, but may have clipped or rounded corners to minimize scratchor puncture potential. While the panels 311, 313 may be different sizes,on this embodiment the front panel 313 has substantially the same widthas the back panel 311, while the back panel 311 is slightly longer thanthe front panel 313, creating a type of scoop effect to better receivetarget objects. Most target objects can be contained in a container 300having a back panel 311 with length 319×width 323 (on this embodiment,in the approximate dimensions of 8″×5″), and a front panel 313 withlength 321×width 323 (on this embodiment, in the approximate dimensionsof 7 (⅜)″×5″). For longer or larger target objects, a larger container,for example a 12″×5″ container, may be used.

The panels 311, 313 may be made from various degrees of transparent toopaque materials and from various degrees of rigid to flexiblematerials. The transparency of the material ensures that the user canquickly and easily identify which target objects the container 300holds. If the fisherperson, however, prefers that the contents of thecontainer 300 not be readily apparent to a competitor, a more opaquematerial may be used. A flexible yet relatively thick container 300ensures that it can be attached to the rod and/or reel easily with nopenetration by hooks or other contained objects. Various materials maybe used, but on this embodiment a partially clear vinyl in the range ofgauge 15 to 40 is used.

The back panel 311 and the front panel 313 on this embodiment may beunited at least partially along the sides by sewing or stitching 315.Other union techniques or devices such as gluing, folding, riveting,laminating, RF dielectric welding, or heat bonding, may also be used.The stitch 315 on this embodiment 300 generally begins on the left side303 near the throat 307 and ends on the right side 304 near the throat307, or vice-versa. In doing so, the stitch 315 on this embodiment isapproximately ¼″ away from the edges of the sides 303, 304 and thebottom 305; and the starting and ending threads run vertically acrossthe loop fastener 401, which is attached to the front panel 313. Apreferred sewing thread is strong, waterproof, and heat-resistant.

The two sides 303 and 304 are connected by a bottom 305. The bottom 305can be squared, rounded, or of other desired shapes. On this embodiment300, as shown in FIG. 6, the bottom 305 has a bottom left corner 317 anda bottom right corner 318. The bottom left corner 317 is formed bycutting off the corner at the intersection of the bottom 305 and-theleft side 303. Similarly, the bottom right corner 318 is formed bycutting off the corner at the intersection of the bottom 305 and theright side 304. Removal of the corners 317, 318 may be encouraged as iteliminates potential snagging of the container 300 with the line, hooks,clothing, hands, or other objects in the vicinity.

On this embodiment, the two bottom corners 317, 318 are substantiallysymmetric with respect to a central axis (not shown) perpendicular tothe bottom 305; and each bottom corner 317, 318 forms an acute angle327, 329 with respect to the bottom 305. The bottom 305 and the twobottom corners 317, 318 are approximately equal in length on thisembodiment, approximately 2″; moreover, the left acute angle 327 and theright acute angle 329 are approximately equal to 45°. Such symmetryenhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the container 300. The bottom305 may remain open, or it may be closed by stitching, sealing, gluing,through the use of an additional piece of material, or as otherwisedesired.

The union of the sides 303, 304 but not the tops of the panels 311, 313creates a wide throat 307 (FIG. 6) for quick insertion of the targetobjects into the container 300. This wide throat 307 enables the user toeasily and single-handedly guide the target objects into the hollowspace 309 of the container 300 created by squeezing the sides 303, 304or by inserting the target objects directly into the throat 307.

Additional fasteners, e.g., buttons or snaps, may be attached to thethroat 307 in order to better secure its closure and contents. Inaddition, it may be desirable to use a fastener system to close thethroat 307 with a leakproof or partially leakproof seal so that thecontainer 300 may hold and accommodate lures that are scented bymarinades or chemical treatment and keep bait, including live bait suchas shrimp, alive or moist until placed on the hook. However, it may notbe desirable to add structure which can cause snagging or entanglementwith target objects.

According to this embodiment of the present invention 300, optionalopenings or holes 302 (FIG. 6) may be punched or otherwise formed at thebody portion 301 to allow extra air circulation and moisturedissipation. The locations of the openings 302 may be varied but arepreferably above the bottom 305 and below the throat 307. The size ofthe openings 302 should be sufficient to allow air circulation andmoisture dissipation, yet small enough to prevent the target objectsfrom snagging on or protruding from the openings 302.

Once the target object is contained within the hollow space 309, thethroat 307 can be closed, for example, by a hook and loop fastenersystem 400 (FIGS. 8,9,10). On this embodiment, the loop fastener 401 ismounted on the front panel 313 near the throat 307. The hook and loopfastener system 400 may be comprised of a loop fastener 401 and a hookfastener 405 and may have two ends 411, 415. One end 411 may be alignedwith left side 303 of the container 300. The other end 415 may extendbeyond the edge of the right side 304. Note that while FIG. 6 depictsthe hook and loop fastener system 400 aligned with the left side 303,the hook and loop fastener system 400 can be aligned with the right side304 to accommodate opposite-handed persons.

FIGS. 8-10 show the side, front, and back views, respectively, of thehook and loop fastener system 400 that is attached on the depictedembodiment of the container 300. The depicted hook and loop fastenersystem 400 has a “sandwich” structure. A flexible panel 403 is“sandwiched” between a loop fastener 401 and a hook fastener 405. Theloop fastener 401 is longer than the width 323 (FIG. 6) of the bodyportion 301 of the container 300 so that when the end 411 of the loopfastener 401 is aligned with the left side 303, the other end 413 of theloop fastener 401 extends beyond the right side 304 of the container300. The length of the loop fastener 401 can be expressed as the sum ofW1+W2, where W1 is the width 323 of the body portion 301 of thecontainer 300 and W2 is the distance between the right side 304 and theend 413 of the loop fastener 401. On this embodiment, W1 is about 5″,and W2 is about 2.5″, although these dimensions may be varied fordifferent applications.

On this embodiment, the length of the hook fastener 405 is W2 so thatthe end 419 of the hook fastener 405 is aligned with the end 413 of theloop fastener when they are attached together with the flexible panel403 as shown in FIG. 8. On this embodiment, the loop fastener 401 andthe hook fastener 405 are approximately ¾″ wide and are substantiallyequal in width. The flexible panel 403 has a length of W2+W3, where W3is the distance measured from the end 415 of the flexible panel 403 tothe end 413 of the loop fastener 401. On this embodiment, W2 isapproximately 2.5″ and W3 is approximately 3.5″, and while the width ofthe flexible panel 403 can be varied, it has substantially the samewidth as the loop fastener 401 as well as the hook fastener 405. It maybe possible for the panel 415 and/or the hook fastener 405 to overlapthe margins of front panel 313 and back panel 311; however, thisconfiguration may result in undesired thickness and bunching of thecontainer at the throat during rod attachment. Conversely, it may bepossible for the loop fastener 401 not to overlap the back panel 311 orthe front panel 313; however, this configuration would offer a limitedsurface for fastener attachment of various rod sizes. The hook and loopfastener materials on hook and loop fastener system 400 may be reversedin position as desired to meet design objectives. The flexible panel 403can be made from various flexible materials such as plastics, man-madeleather, natural leather, or fabrics. On this embodiment, gauge 19 clearvinyl is used. The flexible panel 403 is sandwiched between, and may beattached to, the loop fastener 401 and the hook fastener 405 by gluing,sewing, laminating or other means to form the hook and loop fastenersystem 400.

After the target objects are in the container 300, the hook fastener 405is wrapped around the rod and attaches to the loop fastener 401 in orderto secure, in one motion, both the target object(s) in the container 300and the container 300 to the rod. Although it is not necessary for thehook and loop fastener system 400 to have a flexible panel in order toattain single motion functionality, the flexible panel 403 ensures easygrasping for placement on and removal of the container 300 from the rod.

This container 300, like the container 100 shown in FIGS. 1-5, can beadapted with hook and loop fasteners or other appropriate fastenersystems to be attachable to any convenient surface, such as a boat orthe user's vest, belt, or other clothing appendages.

Another component of the present invention 300, illustrated in FIGS. 11and 12, is a wrap-strap or an elongated attachable strap 350 shown infront and back plan view, respectively. The strap 350 has a panel 351with two ends 353 and 355 (FIG. 11). The panel 351 of the depicted strapgenerally is a long, flexible belt. A hook fastener 357 is mounted onthe front side of the depicted strap at the end 353 of panel 351, and asimilar hook fastener 359, which may be of the same or different size,is mounted on the front side at the end 355 of panel 351. The differenttypes of fasteners on the respective sides may obviously be reversed, asin the case of all hook and loop fasteners and all other genderfasteners mentioned throughout this document.

The panel 351 of the depicted strap may be flexible and tough. The strap350 and its components may come in various sizes and materials. On thisembodiment, gauge 19 vinyl is used, the panel 351 is approximately ¾″wide×12″ long, and the hook fasteners 357 and 359 are approximately ¾″wide×1″ long. The hook fasteners 357 and 359 may be attached to thepanel 351 in various ways or locations. On this embodiment 350, they aresewn to the panel 351 to form the wrap strap 350 shown in FIGS. 11-12.

FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of the container 300, containing afishing lure 2 having hooks and lines 4 secured to the fishing rod 1 andalso having a wrap-strap 350 attached to the container 300 and wrappedaround the lines 4 and the rod 1, thus securing the lines 4 to the rod1. In use, a lure 2 (with hooks), which is attached to the fishing rod 1via a fishing line, is stored within the container 300. The container300 can be secured to the rod 1 with one motion by wrapping the hook andloop system 400 around the rod 1 and pressing the fasteners together.The fishing lines 4 above the reel can be retained against the rod usingthe wrap strap 350, initially attached to the container 300 by hookfastener 359 and loop fastener 401; and then, with one motion, theopposite end hook fastener 357 of the wrap strap 350 can be wrappedaround the rod 1, criss-crossed over the lines 4, and then attached tothe loop fastener 401 of the container 300. This process can be easilyreversed when the lure 2 is ready for fishing. The length of the strapmay be varied to wrap around the fishing lines 4 and the rod 1 multipletimes if needed.

The container 300 may also be of substantial value in a non-rod-attachedcontext for use in storing different types of “terminal tackle” such ashooks with leaders, with or without sinkers, swivels, etc., often usedin salt-water fishing environments, or isolated hooks, lures, fishingaccessories, or fishing scent marinades, fresh bait or live bait, whichmay require a leakproof or near-leakproof environment. In thisapplication, the container 300 can be attached to a strip of hook andloop, adhesive-backed fastener mounted to a boat, tackle box, tacklebag, belt, other clothing appendage or other object, so that thecontained items may be easily seen and readily accessible and availablein an untangled state for immediate use. In this non-rod-attachedversion, the size and shape and some or all of the protuberances and/orfasteners of the container 300 may be changed and/or eliminated fromthose of the rod-attached version, depending on storage and/orattachment requirements or objectives.

Another alternative embodiment of the container is shown in FIGS. 14-17.These illustrations feature a container 499 having an elongatedfish-like body 500, a head 501, wide mouth 503, belly cavity 502 forhousing target objects and tail 505, without middle attachments and withother structural and functional features. On container 499, the upperrod attachment structure is located at the head 501 of the container andis designed as an intrinsic component of the upper container, having afunctionality (i) to close the mouth 503 of the container 499, thusrestricting the target objects from moving into and through the moutharea of the container when the lines are tightened 526 b (FIG. 30) andkeeping the target objects in a protected environment within the cavity502 of the container 499; and (ii) to attach the upper portion of thecontainer 499 to the rod. On container 499, the lower rod attachmentstructure includes an extrinsic component or protuberance of the lowercontainer, having a functionality to attach the lower portion of thecontainer to the rod. A strap 504 transversely attached to the tail 505of the container 499 serves as the lower rod attachment structure andallows the tail 505 of the container to be securely attached to the rod.The upper rod attachment structure and the lower rod attachmentstructure also have the functionality of cinching or retaining the linesagainst the rod to prevent tangles with other rods, reels and nearbyobjects, as illustrated by 526 a, 526 b, FIG. 30. The upper rodattachment structure, although an intrinsic part of the container onthis embodiment 499, may alternatively be constructed and attached as anextrinsic protuberance; conversely, the lower rod attachment structure,although extrinsic to the container on this embodiment 499, may beconstructed as an intrinsic component. On this embodiment 499, there isno protuberance other than as described, but there may be otherprotuberances added as deemed appropriate. All protuberances describedherein may be reversed, altered, supplemented or eliminated in order tomeet functional and design objectives.

As shown in FIGS. 14-17, the container 499 includes a dorsal portion 506and a ventral portion 507. This embodiment of the invention, created tocapture and contain target objects, is similar in design and function toa fish, having a mouth and a partially tubular or cigar-shaped body. Thecontainer 499 may consist of multiple forms, shapes and sizes toaccommodate many varieties of target objects.

The areas 508 (FIGS. 18, 19, 20) on this embodiment, approximately ¼″wide along the lateral edges of the dorsal and ventral portions, depictthe regions of the union of the dorsal and ventral portions accomplishedby sewing, welding or other means. As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17,the upper part of the dorsal and ventral portions 506, 507 are leftseparated on this embodiment at the head 501 and along the upper lateralsides of the body 500 in order to form a mouth 503 for easy capture andrelease of the target objects. The upper part of the ventral portion 507on this embodiment may be cut or molded in a tongue-like configuration509 (FIG. 20) with a functionality (i) to allow minimal overlap orbunching of the material when the mouth is closed; (ii) to provide astructure to digitally grasp for opening the mouth; and (iii) to ensuretighter retaining of the lines to the rod by the container andrestriction of target objects from moving into and through the mouth ofthe container when the lines are tightened 526 b (FIG. 30). The leftside (or either side) of the dorsal portion at the head 501 of thecontainer 499 may have a convex protuberance 510 (FIGS. 18 & 19) whichis designed to wrap around the tongue 509 of the ventral portion 507 andthe rod and lines, and serves as a tab for easy grasping when affixingand removing the container 499 to and from the rod. On the depictedcontainer 499, the angle 523 formed between the protuberance 510 and theupper left margin 531 of the dorsal portion 506 is rounded and obtuse(approximately 100 degrees) to reduce the risk that exiting targetobjects will snag on the container. A variety of shapes andconfigurations other than the convex protuberance of the upper rodattachment device may be utilized, as shown in FIGS. 26a-g. Theprotuberance may just as easily be located on the right side of thedorsal portion 506 on this embodiment to accommodate opposite-handedfisher persons.

As shown in FIG. 24, the dorsal portion 506 on this embodiment may beposteriorly arched such that a sufficient cavity 502 is created to holdeasily the target objects. The ventral portion 507 on this embodimentmay also have a slight posteriorly arched configuration so that, whenattached to the rod, the container 499 embraces or partially conforms tothe rod while maintaining its cavity 502.

The dorsal and ventral portions 506, 507 of the container 499 may becomprised of different types of material. The dorsal portion 506protects and safeguards the target objects from contiguous items andthus may be comprised of a more impregnable material. The ventralportion 507 embraces the rod and retains the exposed lines to the rod ina manner that does not scratch or otherwise damage the rod. The ventralportion 507 therefore may be comprised of a more malleable or pliablematerial. It is conceivable that more than two portions may be utilizedto form a container with multiple sides of varying shapes. See FIGS.25a-h.

Various degrees of automation techniques can be used to form thecontainer 499. Examples of two types of automated line processes formanufacturing the container 499 feature a “separate-sheet” method and a“tubular” method.

Assembly in the separate sheet method may utilize a line process (seeFIG. 31) where sheets of vinyl or other material, the dorsal portion 506being wider than the ventral portion 507, can be brought together andprocessed by narrowing the dorsal portion 506 (see FIG. 32) until it issimilar in width to the ventral portion 507 and then uniting the lateralmargins 508 of the portions 506, 507 together by sewing, welding, orother means. The excess material 527 resulting from this union can beremoved, as shown in FIG. 33. The head 501 of the container 499 whichmay have different dorsal and ventral shapes can be cut during, beforeor after the portions 506, 507 are united.

Assembly in the tubular method may utilize a line process where a tubeof vinyl or other material 525 (see FIG. 27) can be processed bysqueezing the dorsal portion 506 of the tube (see FIG. 28), flatteningthe ventral portion 507 of the tube, pressing and uniting the lateralmargins 531, 532 of the tube together by sewing, welding or other means,and removing the excess material 527 (see FIG. 29). The head 501 of thecontainer 499, which may have different dorsal and ventral shapes can becut during, before or after the sides are united.

Each of these two methods for creating a container having a cavity andappropriate rod conforming qualities may be based on the dorsal portion506 being effectively “wider” than the ventral portion 507. In theseparate sheet method, the wider dorsal portion 506 may be curved orotherwise bent or fashioned to fit the ventral portion 507 at the timeof union with the ventral portion 507. In the tubular method, a widerdorsal portion 506 may be created by pinching, squeezing or otherwisefashioning the dorsal portion of the tube to be joined or united withthe ventral portion 507. Cutting may occur as desired in either methodto trim the edges of the dorsal portion 506 and the ventral portion 507relative to where they are joined or united, and also, if desired, tolend shape to the container.

In both assembly methods described above, when the margins are united,the necessary cavity is formed as well as a concave belly, which betterembraces the line and rod. Additional sides can be added in both thetubular and separate sheet methods, however eventually one will approacha cylindrical shaped container with loss of the desirable concave bellyconfiguration.

The panels of the container 499 can be accomplished by (i) blow-moldingtechniques in which vinyl or other material, while in a malleable state,is expanded inside a mold by a gas or fluid, with subsequent permanentretention of the desired shape when the mold is removed, a methodsimilar to inflating a tube within a tire; (ii) injection-moldingtechniques, in which vinyl or other material is placed on or around amold while in a malleable state with subsequent permanent retention ofthe desired shape when the mold is removed, a method similar to wafflemaking; and (iii) any number of other manufacturing and assemblyalternative techniques known to individuals skilled in the art. The useof injection molding techniques allows for extensive possibilities ofopen-path cross-sectional sizes and shapes of container parts having twoor more sides, some of which are shown in FIGS. 26a-g. The use of blowmolding techniques also allows for extensive possibilities ofclosed-path cross-sectional container sizes and shapes, some of whichare shown in FIGS. 25a-h. FIGS. 25i-j show various combinations ofstraight, concave, and convex sides, in dorsal, ventral and lateral planviews, that can be utilized to meet container design objectives.

Fasteners, for example hook and loop fasteners, may be used to ensurethe container 499 remains closed and firmly attached to the rod or othersurface. On this embodiment 499, hook fastener 511 (FIGS. 15, 19) isattached to the inside surface of the left protuberance 510 of thedorsal portion 506 and a corresponding loop fastener 512 is attached tothe upper right outside portion of the dorsal portion 506 (FIGS. 14,18). When the protuberance 110 is wrapped around the tongue 509, rod andlines, the hook 511 and loop 512 fasten together. As a result, the mouth503 of the container 499 is closed, thus securing the contents of thecontainer 499. The head 501 of the container 499 is likewise attached tothe rod. The narrowness of the tongue 509 of the ventral portion 507ensures a tight fit between the container 499 and the rod.

The fasteners can be of varied sizes, shapes and materials. The hookfastener 511 and loop fastener 512 may be a circle, round box,rectangle, or other shape. On the depicted embodiment 499, the hookfastener 511 is in the shape of a round box with an approximate ¾″diameter, and the loop fastener 512 is a rectangle which measuresapproximately 1⅛″×¾″.

The location of the fasteners is important to accomplish easy andsymmetrical closure of the mouth 503 with minimal snagging of incomingor outgoing target objects. Because the hook fastener 511 has lesstendency to snag target objects than the loop fastener 512, it may beplaced on the inside surface of protuberance 510 where it is in closerproximity to entering and exiting target objects. The loop fastener 512,correspondingly, may be placed on the outer surface of the dorsalportion 506. The location of these fasteners 511, 512, however, can bereversed so that the hook fastener 511 is on the outside of the dorsalportion 506 and the loop fastener 512 is on the inside surface of theprotuberance 510.

Hook and loop fasteners may be superior to other types of fastenersbecause they adjust for tightening of the head 501 of the container 499around rods of varying diameters in addition to facilitating rapid,one-handed closing and opening of the mouth of the container 499. Snapsor other types of fasteners, however, may also be utilized. To maintainthe mouth 503 in an open position when the fasteners are separated, thethickness of the material may be varied, or a stiffening-type orspring-like material may be added to the head 501 of the container 499.

The tail 505 of the container 499 can be closed or may remain open. Ifthe manufacturing process utilized to produce the container 499 requiresclosure of the tail 505, that closure may be accomplished prior to,during or subsequent to attachment of the container 499 to the lower rodattachment structure described below. When the dorsal portion 506 iswider than the ventral portion 507 or vice versa, a natural bunching ofmaterial at the tail occurs when the tail is closed, resulting in pleats520 (FIG. 14). The tail 505 may taper almost to a point to increase thedepth and capacity of the cavity 502 and to better accommodate the shapeof target objects. In a molded construction of the container 499, pleats520 may be eliminated, the tail 505 may not need to be tapered to apoint in order to achieve volume objectives, and the molded unit canhave a variety of shapes. See FIGS. 25 & 26.

The tail 505 of the container 499 may be equipped with a lower rodattachment structure, which serves to attach the container tightly tothe rod foregrip and minimize the likelihood of the container 499slipping relative to the rod, while at the same time capturing andretaining the line immediately above the reel so that it does notentangle with surrounding objects. The method of affixing the strap tothe tail of the container can be important for optimal function, asdescribed below. By having a point union from a rivet 518 c, dielectricwelding or other bond, regardless of the shape of the tail end of thecontainer, it has been found that longitudinal tension on the container(arrow 522 a), FIG. 30, which results from tightening the line to thetarget object, tilts and wedges the strap and foam pad 521 sideways(arrow 522 b) against the rod foregrip 528. It thereby increases thepad's adherence to the foregrip and minimizes the likelihood of thecontainer sliding up or down the rod. The lower rod attachment structureneed not be a separate protuberance, and might be constructed as anintrinsic component of the container.

The attachment function may be accomplished by a number of methods,depending on the desired configuration and design objectives forsecuring the container to the rod. One method can use a strap, cord,rope, band, chain or similar device connected to the container toencircle the rod one or more times. Another method can use an extrinsic,compressive-type device, such as a clip, clothes pin, or similarmechanism, to attach the container to the rod. On the present embodiment499, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, a transverse strap 504 may be used tosecure the tail 505 of the container 499 to the rod. The transversestrap 504 may be attached to the tail 505 of the container 499 withrivet 518 c. The strap 504 on the present embodiment may have a shortextension 515 and a long extension 516, although both extensions 515,516 could be the same length or reversed. A strip of hook fastener 513may be attached to the dorsal surface of the short extension 515, and astrip of loop fastener 514 may be attached to the ventral surface of thelong extension 516, allowing the strap 504 to be easily and tightlywrapped around the rod at the foregrip, thus minimizing the likelihoodof the container 499 sliding relative to the rod. The loop fastener 514on this embodiment may be offset from the end 529 of the strap 504, thuscreating a tab 517 for easy attachment and detachment. The hook 513 andloop 514 fastener material on this embodiment may be reversed inposition on the strap 504 and also may be changed in location on thestrap 504 to accommodate different sizes and shapes of rod foregripareas. The strap 504 may also be reversed, placing the tab 517 on theopposite side of the container 499 to better accommodate opposite-handedfisher persons. The size and shape of the tab 517 may change fromstraight right-angle margins to rounded, oblique, curved, or otherconfigurations (see FIG. 26) for esthetic and/or functional purposes, orconceivably the tab 517 may be eliminated. Since the strap material maydevelop new memory from its position around the rod, the thickness ofthe strap material may be varied or a stiffening-type or spring-likematerial may be added to maintain it in an extended position after thefasteners are separated.

The addition of a pad of buoyant material, such as a foam pad 521 (FIGS.14, 15), to the tail 505 of the container 499, while not mandatory, mayhave important advantages. In addition to ensuring the container 499floats if inadvertently dropped in the water, the pad 521 may facilitatebetter grasping of the rod foregrip. The foam pad 521 on this embodimentmay be attached to the strap 504 with rivets 518 a and 518 b or withadhesive or other means. Buoyant material, such as foam, like the strapmaterial, may develop new memory from its position around the rod, andthus the thickness of the buoyant material may be varied or astiffening-type or spring-like material may be added to maintain it inan extended position when not attached to rod.

FIGS. 21, 22, and 23 show the dorsal, transverse, and ventral views,respectively, of the assembled strap and its components. On the depictedembodiment 499, the dimension of the flexible strap 504 is 1″×8″, andthe hook fastener 513 on the dorsal surface is ¾″×1⅜″ and lies flushwith the right end 519 of the strap 504. On the depicted embodiment, theloop fastener 514 on the ventral surface is ¾″×1⅜″ and 1″ from the leftend 520 of the strap 504, thereby creating a tab 517 for ease ofgrasping. On the depicted embodiment, the foam pad 521 is approximately4″ long×1¼″ wide and approximately ⅜″ thick, with its right end lyingflush with the right strap margin 519. The size of the pad 521 on thisembodiment is dependent on its ability to float the container should itfall in the water. Rivet 518 a used on the depicted embodiment extendsthrough the hook fastener 513, strap 504, and foam pad 521 and lies 1⅛″from the end 519 of the strap 504. Rivet 518 b goes through the strap504 and foam pad 521 and lies 3½″ from the end 519 of the strap 504.Rivet 518 c goes through tail 505 of the container 499, strap 504, andfoam pad 521. On the depicted embodiment 499, the dorsal portion 506,the ventral portion 507, and the flexible strap 504 are comprised of 19gauge clear flexible vinyl, although many different colors, types andthickness of materials may be utilized.

For efficiency in fishing, the container must be available and at armsreach at any time, and therefore it is necessary to be able to quicklyand easily attach and detach it to the user's clothing or otherdesirable nearby objects. Hook and loop fasteners on the container canprovide these desirable features. On the depicted embodiment 499, thehook fastener 511 on the inside of the dorsal portion 506 or the loopfastener 512 on the outside of the dorsal portion 506 can be attached toa corresponding loop or hook fastener on a belt or other desirableobject. Also, the hook 513 and loop 514 fasteners on the strap of thepreferred embodiment may be attached to a corresponding loop or hookfastener on a belt or other desirable object. Furthermore, additionalhook and loop material may be added to various locations on thecontainer 499 for attachment to a corresponding loop or hook fastener ona belt or other desirable object. FIG. 34 shows a strip of hook or loopfastener material 530 placed on the ventral surface of the upper ventralportion 507 of the container 499 for the purpose of attaching thecontainer 499 to a corresponding loop or hook fastener on a belt orother desirable object.

An example of directions for using the container 499 may be as follows:

1. Hold the container in the left hand like a glass, with the thumbkeeping the tongue down and open.

2. With the rod in the right hand and the line and rod guides facing thebelly of the container, drop the target object in the container.

3. Allow the line to flow freely from the reel spool, let the tongueclose, and place the rod in the belly of the container. Then press thetop fasteners of the container together, retaining the two lines to therod.

4. Slide the container down the rod until the foam is as close to thereel as possible. The line should lie in the middle of the foam.

5. Wrap the bottom strap tightly around the rod foregrip, retaining theline above the reel to the foregrip. Press the bottom fasteners of thecontainer together, and then turn the reel spool to tighten the line.

6. When it is time to fish, reverse the steps in a quick, one-handedmanner.

The foregoing description of embodiments of the invention has beenpresented only for the purpose of illustration and description and isnot intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the preciseforms disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light ofthe above disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of theinvention. The sizes, shapes and descriptions set forth above may varyas desired, depending on requirements and needs by rod and target objectmanufacturers and also as a result of container manufacturing,production and assembly efficiencies and design objectives.

What is claimed is:
 1. A container for containing fishing tackle,comprising: an elongated flexible first panel comprising an uppersection and a lower section, said upper section having an upper fastenerthat includes two portions, said upper fastener portions adapted tofasten to each other to facilitate at least partial encirclement of afishing rod by said upper section of said first panel in an at leastpartially conforming relationship, in order to connect said container tothe rod; an elongated flexible second panel comprising an upper sectionand a lower section; said first panel and said second panel at leastpartially joined to each other near the periphery of each said panel toform a flexible, elongated cavity walled on one side by said first paneland on another side by said second panel, said cavity adapted to receivethe fishing tackle, at least part of said upper sections of said panelsforming a throat communicating with said cavity and the space outsidesaid container, the panels substantially closing said cavity adjacent tothe lower sections of said panels thereby precluding escape of thefishing tackle adjacent to said lower sections; said container adaptedto preclude removal of the fishing tackle from said cavity when saidupper fastener secures said container to the rod and to allow easyrelease of the fishing tackle from said cavity when said upper fastenerdoes not secure said container to the rod; and a lower fastenerconnected to a lower section of at least one of said panels, said lowerfastener including two portions adapted to fasten to each other tosecure a lower part of said container to the rod.
 2. The container forcontaining fishing tackle according to claim 1 wherein at least one ofsaid fastener portions comprises hook material and loop material.
 3. Thecontainer for containing fishing tackle according to claim 1 furthercomprising at least one protuberance formed from the upper section ofsaid first panel, wherein at least one of said fastener portions ispositioned on said at least one protuberance.
 4. The container forcontaining fishing tackle according to claim 1 further comprising atleast one strap formed from the lower section of said first panel,wherein at least one of said lower fastener portions is connected tosaid at least one strap.
 5. The container for containing fishing tackleaccording to claim 1 wherein the said panels are at least partiallyjoined by bonding.
 6. The container for containing fishing tackleaccording to claim 1 wherein said panels are at least partially formedof plastic material.
 7. The container for containing fishing tackleaccording to claim 1 wherein said panels are at least partiallytransparent.
 8. The container for containing fishing tackle according toclaim 1 wherein said panels are panel portions.
 9. The container forcontaining fishing tackle according to claim 1 wherein said fishingtackle is a lure.
 10. An apparatus for fishing, comprising: a fishingrod a fishing reel; fishing tackle; and a container for containingfishing tackle, comprising: an elongated flexible first panel comprisingan upper section and a lower section, said upper section having an upperfastener that includes two portions, said upper fastener portionsadapted to fasten to each other to facilitate at least partialencirclement of a fishing rod by said upper section of said first panelin an at least partially conforming relationship, in order to connectsaid container to the rod; an elongated flexible second panel comprisingan upper section and a lower section; said first panel and said secondpanel at least partially joined to each other near the periphery of eachsaid panel to form a flexible, elongated cavity walled on one side bysaid first panel and on another side by said second panel, said cavityadapted to receive the fishing tackle, at least part of said uppersections of said panels forming a throat communicating with said cavityand the space outside said container, the panels substantially closingsaid cavity adjacent to the lower sections of said panels therebyprecluding escape of the fishing tackle adjacent to said lower sections;said container adapted to preclude removal of the fishing tackle fromsaid cavity when said upper fastener secures said container to the rodand to allow easy release of the fishing tackle from said cavity whensaid upper fastener does not secure said container to the rod; and alower fastener connected to a lower section of at least one of saidpanels, said lower fastener including two portions adapted to fasten toeach other to secure a lower part of said container to the rod.
 11. Theapparatus for fishing according to claim 10 wherein at least one of saidfastener portions comprises hook material and loop material.
 12. Theapparatus for fishing according to claim 10 further comprising at leastone protuberance formed from the upper section of said first panel,wherein at least one of said fastener portions is positioned on said atleast one protuberance.
 13. The apparatus for fishing according to claim10 further comprising at least one strap formed from the lower sectionof said first panel, wherein at least one of said lower fastenerportions is connected to said at least one strap.
 14. The apparatus forfishing according to claim 10 wherein the said panels are at leastpartially joined by bonding.
 15. The apparatus for fishing according toclaim 10 wherein said panels are at least partially formed of plasticmaterial.
 16. The apparatus for fishing according to claim 10 whereinsaid panels are at least partially transparent.
 17. The apparatus forfishing according to claim 10 wherein said panels are panel portions.18. The apparatus for fishing according to claim 10 wherein said fishingtackle is a lure.